Graffin scored 26 touchdowns, including 21 on the ground and finished with 2,875 all-purpose yards. He will have plenty of help as first-year coach Todd Polk tries to establish run/pass balance.

“We return our skill positions,” Polk said. “We think we have a shot at a successful season and we’re looking forward to Game 1.”

The Polar Bears return 20 lettermen, including eight starters on each side of the ball. Wide receiver/outside linebackers Angelo Frias (6-5, 210), Evan Mahr and Brevan Moore, linebacker Graffin and running back/linebacker Andrew Patterson started at least one way last season.

“I’m excited,” Polk said. “It’s a great group. We want to be an attacking, up-tempo offense. We want to be an attacking, multiple-formation defense. We want to play fast.”

Polk, who graduated from Margaretta in 1993, was an assistant at Western Reserve and Firelands. He was also one of Don Wilson’s assistants at Margaretta.

“One thing I want to bring to the program as an alum is to bring the old tradition back and get the community involved with the football program again. The previous staff did a good job to help re-establish the culture.

“A main job is to continue that. In the 2000s, football was a big thing. We want to bring that back to when it was a big deal to play Margaretta football games.”

The Polar Bears played Tiffin Calvert for a conference crown in Week 10 last season.

“We finished the season strong with four wins in five games,” Polk said. “With that experience, we hope to jump to a faster start this year.”